In the world of local government and public service, few stories are as inspiring and instructive as that of Ron Holifield, CEO of Strategic Government Resources (SGR). His journey from a college intern to a visionary city manager and eventually to a CEO shaping the future of local government leadership is a testament to the profound impact of dedicated public service.
Through Ron's experiences and insights, we'll explore the essence of community engagement, the power of authentic leadership, and the transformative potential of local government.
The Spark of a Lifelong Passion
Every great journey has a beginning, and for Ron Holifield, it all started with an internship that would shape the course of his entire career. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Ron shares:
"I look back to when I interned with the City Manager's Office in Lubbock, Texas, and see the essence of leadership. That's where I fell in love with city management. Because of that experience, I knew I was meant to do it."
This early exposure to city management didn't just provide Ron with practical experience; it ignited a passion that would drive him throughout his career. The impact of this internship goes beyond personal growth – it underscores the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for young professionals in local government.
The Heart of Public Service
As Ron progressed in his career, he quickly realized that at the core of effective local government is a genuine love for the community. He observed this firsthand in Lubbock:
"The people I worked for and have stayed in touch with all these years - they've done profoundly cool things there. The heart of it is that they were focused on the good of the community. They may disagree on methodology or ordinances, but the city has been blessed by elected officials who love their community. I think that's what translates into big accomplishments."
This observation highlights a crucial lesson for anyone in or considering a career in public service: the most significant achievements stem from a sincere commitment to community wellbeing, transcending political differences and personal agendas.
The Art of Listening and Understanding
As Ron's career advanced, he developed a deep appreciation for the art of communication, particularly the importance of listening. He emphasizes:
"We tend to listen to respond when what we've got to know to do is listen to understand."
This simple yet profound shift in approach can dramatically improve community engagement and problem-solving in local government. Ron further elaborates:
"If you listen to their hearts more than their words, that's when you can begin solving things."
This insight is particularly valuable in today's often divisive political climate. By focusing on understanding the underlying concerns and aspirations of community members, local government leaders can build trust and find more effective solutions.
Embracing Wisdom and Self-Awareness
Throughout his journey, Ron has come to value the importance of self-awareness and the willingness to acknowledge one's limitations. He shares a humorous yet insightful quote from Barney Ruble of The Flintstones:
"It takes a smart person to know where they are stupid. I think that's the definition of wisdom. The expression of wisdom is when you're not afraid of acknowledging what you don't know."
This level of self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership in local government. It fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement, and it helps build authentic relationships with both staff and community members.
The Power of Authentic Relationships
Speaking of relationships, Ron emphasizes the importance of personal connections in public service:
"You do not build relationships by email or text. Those can be an outgrowth of a relationship, but that won't create authentic relationships."
In an era of digital communication, this reminder of the value of face-to-face interactions and genuine personal connections is more important than ever. Building these authentic relationships is key to effective community engagement and successful governance.
The Profound Impact of Public Service
One of the most inspiring aspects of Ron's perspective is his deep appreciation for the impact of public service: "There is almost nothing you can do that can directly affect so many lives as public service."
This sentiment serves as a powerful motivator for those in local government and a compelling argument for those considering a career in public service. Ron extends this idea to encompass all aspects of local government work:
"Cities can have the best parks, police, or fire departments, but they are doomed to fail if they can't process payroll effectively or get supplies. We all need to better connect the dots in explaining how even the most mundane parts of local government profoundly affect people's lives. Every level of the organization needs to understand how significant what they're doing is."
This view of local government underscores the importance of every role, from the most visible to the seemingly mundane, in creating thriving communities.
Leading Change and Building Bridges
As Ron transitioned from city management to his role as CEO of Strategic Government Resources, he brought with him valuable lessons on leading change and building community consensus. He shares an analogy from a book that deeply influenced his approach:
"The book called, The Church on the Other Side says if you want to lead change, you've got to abandon the mindset that says I'll meet you in the middle, or I'll build a bridge halfway across the river. Instead, you must start building the bridge from their side to yours."
This perspective shift is crucial for local government leaders seeking to implement change or gain community support for initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and meeting people where they are.
The 110-Day Miracle: A Lesson in Leadership and Teamwork
Perhaps one of the most compelling stories from Ron's career is the "110-Day Miracle" that occurred during his time as city manager in Garland, Texas. This incredible feat of community mobilization and teamwork exemplifies many of the principles Ron advocates for in local government leadership.
"One hundred and ten nights from the night of the city council vote, we built a ten thousand-seat amphitheater and put on a four-night summer festival. We sold out the event with big-name stars; it was the coolest thing!"
What makes this story particularly inspiring is not just the ambitious goal, but how it brought the community together:
"During construction, we had such a limited budget that employees asked if they could volunteer to do something outside their regular jobs. We had police officers helping mow and move dirt and people from the finance department laying out grass. It was the most amazing thing I've ever had the chance to be a part of, and the coolest thing is that I had no idea how to pull it off. I had a team who thought that they were good enough to make it happen if I was brazen enough to say it could be done."
This experience encapsulates many of the key principles Ron has championed throughout his career: visionary leadership, community engagement, breaking down departmental silos, and the incredible potential of motivated public servants.
The Enduring Value of Public Service
In his current role, Ron shares valuable lessons and experience with leaders across the country. He is a one-stop destination for shaping the future of local government by sharing insights, fostering leadership development, and promoting best practices in public service. Ron's journey from intern to CEO is not only a personal success story but also a roadmap for aspiring public servants.
His story is a source of inspiration for current local government leaders, and it shows the profound impact one can have by dedicating their career to public service and continually striving to improve community engagement and governance. His experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for current and aspiring public servants:
Cultivate a genuine love for your community
Listen to understand, not just to respond
Embrace wisdom and self-awareness
Build authentic relationships
Recognize the profound impact of all aspects of local government work
Lead change by building bridges from the community's perspective
Foster teamwork and community engagement to achieve seemingly impossible goals
As Ron's story illustrates, a career in public service offers unparalleled opportunities to make a difference in people's lives. Whether you're just starting your journey or are a seasoned professional, remember Ron's words:
"There is almost nothing you can do that can directly affect so many lives as public service."
Additional Information
Follow-up on these resources from Ron:
Visit Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to learn more about Ron and his team.
Click here to subscribe to Ron's 10 in 10 Update on Servant Leadership Newsletter.
Find your next career in public service at SGR Job Board (free)
Read the book, The Church on the Other Side by Brian D. McLaren